More than just a poetry workshop
By Nungo Ravele
As 32 pupils of Willow Crescent Secondary School patiently wait for the workshop to begin, there is a level of anxiety arising. A slender, light-in-complexion woman with a huge afro walks in. Behind her is a woman dressed in black with a dark green scarf draped around her neck. Silence settled in the classroom. 64 eyes looked up at these two woman in front of the black board.
Staceyann Chin and Abena Koomson are artists who are a part of the Urban Voices International Arts Festival. Staceyann is a Jamaican/Asian lesbian activist and full time writer. She first performed for Urban Voices in 2003. Abena was born in America and as an infant went to Ghana to get acquainted with family. She is a writer, performer, and has been a teacher of literature for 13 years. These two amazing artists conducted “Poetry Talks”, at the Eldorado Park school, which is part of the Urban Voices programme.
The pupils were instructed to free-write for five minutes on whatever thoughts were racing in their minds. Abena explained that free-writing is a good way to get to know yourself. When the five minutes came to an end, Abena asked how they felt about the free-writing experience. Some pupils seemed to be relieved and others disappointed that the time had gone by so fast.
Abena then had a brainstorming session titled “What is poetry?”
“Poetry is the freedom of expression through writing,” responded one of the pupils.
Staceyann and Abena then broke the pupils up into six groups. Each group had to write a poem which needed to contain two of the following words: woman, power, South Africa, colour blind and my own history. Whispers and giggles could be heard within the groups while they were sharing ideas and putting the poem together.
Staceyann blindly picked out groups to present their piece and asked the rest of the class to crit them. The poetry that was presented left the two artists flabbergasted. “I just want to take you all home with me to New York. Wow!” exclaimed Staceyann.
Abena opened the floor for questions. Questions like “Is there a career in poetry?” were asked.
One pupil requested them recite one of their own poems. Abena recited her poem titled Blacksmith Orchestra, a poem inspired by Romans 12:9-16. Staceyann couldn't find a poem appropriate enough for the pupils, explaining that they contained adult content. Instead, she read a page from her book The Other Side of Paradise.
The pupils had long lost the feeling of anxiety and replaced it with joy and confidence. With eyes glimmering and sighs filled with sadness, they said their thank-yous and left the classroom. They only left content smiles on Abena and Staceyann's faces.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
Another City Press Online article
A true Samaritan at heart.
By Nungo Ravele
A day before schools closed in 2006, at some Mamelodi four-way stop, a boy dressed in torn uniform was begging.
In the icy cold morning, he went from one person to another. The boy came across a man who was rather curious as to why he was in uniform. As this man kept digging for information, he gave R5 and walked him to school.
Tosca Molemane's curiosity led to him going to check up on the boy at school the next day. To his disappointment, Dan Xulu, was not at school. Tosca asked teachers if they knew of his where abouts. Mam Mtambo helped him locate Dan in a shack in Mamelodi east.
Tosca felt so heart broken when he got to know more about Dan. Dan has six siblings and a mother. He was an introvert, shy and barely said a word. Tosca felt draw to this, and all he wanted was to keep Dan off the streets.
As time went by, Tosca got a hold of Thulisiwe, the oldest sister, and offered to give a helping hand. Tosca was a 4th year student so he could only do so much. His efforts were not seen as miniature, because he got his own family involved. Tosca helped to put Dan in St. Albans College for extra lessons. He provided the Xulu family with food and clothes, since they didn't have the means to.
The Christmas of 2006, Dan got invited to the Molemane home. Tosca's love and concern for Dan shone through, when Dan finally opened up to him. Soon Dan's progress at school improved and he became such an extrovert. The bond between the two grew so strong, that the two families are now one.
Tosca is just an ordinary South African who looked beyond a begging boy. He felt so close to Dan's life because he too had no father that was close by. Tosca also had to wear second hand clothes earlier in his life.
Tosca Molemane has been doing so much for the Xulu family for almost 4 years. There is so much that can be done to help a fellow South African. Let Tosca's story inspire you to do more for Mandela Day's 67 minutes.
By Nungo Ravele
A day before schools closed in 2006, at some Mamelodi four-way stop, a boy dressed in torn uniform was begging.
In the icy cold morning, he went from one person to another. The boy came across a man who was rather curious as to why he was in uniform. As this man kept digging for information, he gave R5 and walked him to school.
Tosca Molemane's curiosity led to him going to check up on the boy at school the next day. To his disappointment, Dan Xulu, was not at school. Tosca asked teachers if they knew of his where abouts. Mam Mtambo helped him locate Dan in a shack in Mamelodi east.
Tosca felt so heart broken when he got to know more about Dan. Dan has six siblings and a mother. He was an introvert, shy and barely said a word. Tosca felt draw to this, and all he wanted was to keep Dan off the streets.
As time went by, Tosca got a hold of Thulisiwe, the oldest sister, and offered to give a helping hand. Tosca was a 4th year student so he could only do so much. His efforts were not seen as miniature, because he got his own family involved. Tosca helped to put Dan in St. Albans College for extra lessons. He provided the Xulu family with food and clothes, since they didn't have the means to.
The Christmas of 2006, Dan got invited to the Molemane home. Tosca's love and concern for Dan shone through, when Dan finally opened up to him. Soon Dan's progress at school improved and he became such an extrovert. The bond between the two grew so strong, that the two families are now one.
Tosca is just an ordinary South African who looked beyond a begging boy. He felt so close to Dan's life because he too had no father that was close by. Tosca also had to wear second hand clothes earlier in his life.
Tosca Molemane has been doing so much for the Xulu family for almost 4 years. There is so much that can be done to help a fellow South African. Let Tosca's story inspire you to do more for Mandela Day's 67 minutes.
My other City Press article
Festivities in Newtown
By Nungo Ravele
The midday sun was warm and the cold breeze was icy. Jackets, scarves, boots, beanies and gloves. People in their masses were at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown Johannesburg to celebrate Tata Mandela's 91st birthday. In the background you could hear the echo of many murmurers and the beats of house music with DJ Sbu were on the deck entertaining the crowd.
The stage had two photographs of Madiba on either side. “Working together for the common good for our nation” was printed on the bottom of each photograph. With a band, decks and huge speakers and two screens, it was almost impossible not to hear or see the happenings.
DJ Sbu's set ended and Solly Moholo took the stage filling the square with sounds of gospel. Thembi Seete's energy as she introduced each act was high and intense. The venue was well secured as stewards and guards stood out in bright colours supported by the SAPS in their flocks. The VIP tent was most protected and decorated in black. A poet recited his poem for Madiba, and Nhlanhla Nciza performed with Lungelo.
Soon after, people became busy setting up the stage for formal function at around 2pm. In the midst of this, house music was being played while Thembi sang along. The formal function included speeches by MP's and Mandela's family members. There seemed to be a really calm atmosphere when the cake was being cut. After the last thank you speech, a few of the late Brenda Fassie songs were played.
The birthday cake went past the media tent guarded by a dozen guards as though it was the old man himself. As Florence Masebe and Meshack Mavuso introduced Arthur and Chomi, their performance really ignited the crowd. Chomi's song that she wrote for Madiba was called “Prison to President.” It was a truly beautiful song. Arthur's little daughter was dancing throughout Chomi's and her father's performance. As Owami Mofokate hit the high note, the audience couldn't help but fall in love.
By Nungo Ravele
The midday sun was warm and the cold breeze was icy. Jackets, scarves, boots, beanies and gloves. People in their masses were at Mary Fitzgerald Square in Newtown Johannesburg to celebrate Tata Mandela's 91st birthday. In the background you could hear the echo of many murmurers and the beats of house music with DJ Sbu were on the deck entertaining the crowd.
The stage had two photographs of Madiba on either side. “Working together for the common good for our nation” was printed on the bottom of each photograph. With a band, decks and huge speakers and two screens, it was almost impossible not to hear or see the happenings.
DJ Sbu's set ended and Solly Moholo took the stage filling the square with sounds of gospel. Thembi Seete's energy as she introduced each act was high and intense. The venue was well secured as stewards and guards stood out in bright colours supported by the SAPS in their flocks. The VIP tent was most protected and decorated in black. A poet recited his poem for Madiba, and Nhlanhla Nciza performed with Lungelo.
Soon after, people became busy setting up the stage for formal function at around 2pm. In the midst of this, house music was being played while Thembi sang along. The formal function included speeches by MP's and Mandela's family members. There seemed to be a really calm atmosphere when the cake was being cut. After the last thank you speech, a few of the late Brenda Fassie songs were played.
The birthday cake went past the media tent guarded by a dozen guards as though it was the old man himself. As Florence Masebe and Meshack Mavuso introduced Arthur and Chomi, their performance really ignited the crowd. Chomi's song that she wrote for Madiba was called “Prison to President.” It was a truly beautiful song. Arthur's little daughter was dancing throughout Chomi's and her father's performance. As Owami Mofokate hit the high note, the audience couldn't help but fall in love.
City Press article
Tata Rolihlahla hits the big 91
By Nungo Ravele
South Africa's former president, Mr. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, has been nothing but an amazing global icon. He has touched so many people's lives and continues to inspire people to this very day. His presence is heart felt and his touch brings such peace.
Madiba this year is being honored in a whole new way. 2009 marks the beginning of the annual Mandela Day. Nelson Mandela Day was carefully thought out by the Nelson Mandela Foundation collectively to provide an opportunity to transform the world through community service.
In order to celebrate his 67 years in politics and activism, people around the world are encouraged to dedicate 67 minutes of their time on July 18th. In those 67 minutes, one should lend a helping hand by touching someone's life that is less fortunate in any way possible. The power to make an imprint is in our hands. It should be an opportunity to fight poverty and promote peace and reconciliation.
Huge number of events will take place around the world on Mandela Day.
There is a concert, taking place at New York's Radio City Music Hall, which will boast a range of artists from all over the world, including Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Wyclef Jean, Aretha Franklin, Loyiso Bala, Will.I.Am, Jesse McCartney, Cyndi Lauper, Zucchero, Josh Groban, Baaba Maal, Angelique Kidjo and the Soweto Gospel Choir. There are many more guests invited like Queen Latifa, Freshlyground, Morgan Freeman, Forrest Whitaker and many more.
Around South Africa alone, there are around 56 listed events on www.nelsonmandela.org/
One of the main events is in Johannesburg at Mary Fitzgerald Square, in Newtown.
The theme is “Working together for the common good of our nation.”
Artists like Winnie Khumalo, Arthur, Chommie, Zamajobe, Kwela Tebza and Kunle Ayo from Nigeria will be present.
Performances by Taliphani (Venda Dance), TK Dances and Sechaba will entertain the mass audiences throught the day.
The event is on July 18th from 10am.
Free
By Nungo Ravele
South Africa's former president, Mr. Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela, has been nothing but an amazing global icon. He has touched so many people's lives and continues to inspire people to this very day. His presence is heart felt and his touch brings such peace.
Madiba this year is being honored in a whole new way. 2009 marks the beginning of the annual Mandela Day. Nelson Mandela Day was carefully thought out by the Nelson Mandela Foundation collectively to provide an opportunity to transform the world through community service.
In order to celebrate his 67 years in politics and activism, people around the world are encouraged to dedicate 67 minutes of their time on July 18th. In those 67 minutes, one should lend a helping hand by touching someone's life that is less fortunate in any way possible. The power to make an imprint is in our hands. It should be an opportunity to fight poverty and promote peace and reconciliation.
Huge number of events will take place around the world on Mandela Day.
There is a concert, taking place at New York's Radio City Music Hall, which will boast a range of artists from all over the world, including Stevie Wonder, Alicia Keys, Wyclef Jean, Aretha Franklin, Loyiso Bala, Will.I.Am, Jesse McCartney, Cyndi Lauper, Zucchero, Josh Groban, Baaba Maal, Angelique Kidjo and the Soweto Gospel Choir. There are many more guests invited like Queen Latifa, Freshlyground, Morgan Freeman, Forrest Whitaker and many more.
Around South Africa alone, there are around 56 listed events on www.nelsonmandela.org/
One of the main events is in Johannesburg at Mary Fitzgerald Square, in Newtown.
The theme is “Working together for the common good of our nation.”
Artists like Winnie Khumalo, Arthur, Chommie, Zamajobe, Kwela Tebza and Kunle Ayo from Nigeria will be present.
Performances by Taliphani (Venda Dance), TK Dances and Sechaba will entertain the mass audiences throught the day.
The event is on July 18th from 10am.
Free
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Free-write
My soul feels rather uneasy.
My heart beats with a pace that astonishes me.
My breath filled with mint, hisses through my teeth.
I tremble as I write this.
Pause
Relocate my thoughts.
Smells of hair food, perfume, dust, sweat, paper and ink.
The wood of this school table only drifts me back to my high school years.
A deep breath in....
A deep breath out...
That uneasy feeling still hovers.
I try and shuffle my thoughts,
but now I need to close.
My heart beats with a pace that astonishes me.
My breath filled with mint, hisses through my teeth.
I tremble as I write this.
Pause
Relocate my thoughts.
Smells of hair food, perfume, dust, sweat, paper and ink.
The wood of this school table only drifts me back to my high school years.
A deep breath in....
A deep breath out...
That uneasy feeling still hovers.
I try and shuffle my thoughts,
but now I need to close.
My City Press Online article
National arts festival ends on a high note
Jul 14 2009 04:40:52:470PM
By Nungo Ravele
There seems to be no dethroning the Grahamstown national arts festival from its 35-year reign. This is all thanks to the festival getting a new skin and making its way to new markets.
There seems to be no dethroning the Grahamstown national arts festival from its 35-year reign. The amazing vibrant energy, the extra exposure to younger audiences and a new “skin” ensured that this year’s festival – which ended this weekend – was a huge improvement on last year’s.
Tony Lankester, chief executive of the National Arts Festival, says the improvement was thanks to the festival getting a new skin and making its way to new markets.
The link that the festival made with Facebook and Twitter allowed young people to be lured to the arts with free tickets and online competitions.
Locals, Eastern Cape radio stations and newspapers also helped spread the word. Careful consideration was taken so that the usual festivalgoers were not alienated but space was given to younger blood.
Ticket sales were a great surprise considering the current economic situation. The festival had a solid 13.21% increase in overall attendance this year and audiences had a huge variety of shows, exhibitions and music to feast on.
The Village Green, which used to be in the centre of Grahamstown, was moved up to Rhodes University campus. The move was made to accommodate more traders and to make way for a major World Craft Arts Market.
This ensured the crafts were given a greater platform and international exposure. Even though the festival’s main audiences are based in the Eastern Cape, it receives huge support from international embassies such as those of Belgium, France, Spain, Holland and the US.
So how will organisers deal with next year’s festival clash with the Fifa World Cup?
Lankester says, “The world is at our doorstep. Lets not run away from the opportunity.” That is one of the reasons why the festival will be extended to 15 days (June 20 – July 4) and they plan to market it far better than they did this year, taking into consideration that they will be competing against Fifa advertising.
Besides improving on marketing strategies, the National Arts Festival is planning to provide shuttles and tour buses from Port Elizabeth to Grahamstown, and rearranging the programme so that all major shows are during the day. Equipment upgrades and a more professional look is what will attract the international crowds, and of course the essence of South African art, all in one town.
Jul 14 2009 04:40:52:470PM
By Nungo Ravele
There seems to be no dethroning the Grahamstown national arts festival from its 35-year reign. This is all thanks to the festival getting a new skin and making its way to new markets.
There seems to be no dethroning the Grahamstown national arts festival from its 35-year reign. The amazing vibrant energy, the extra exposure to younger audiences and a new “skin” ensured that this year’s festival – which ended this weekend – was a huge improvement on last year’s.
Tony Lankester, chief executive of the National Arts Festival, says the improvement was thanks to the festival getting a new skin and making its way to new markets.
The link that the festival made with Facebook and Twitter allowed young people to be lured to the arts with free tickets and online competitions.
Locals, Eastern Cape radio stations and newspapers also helped spread the word. Careful consideration was taken so that the usual festivalgoers were not alienated but space was given to younger blood.
Ticket sales were a great surprise considering the current economic situation. The festival had a solid 13.21% increase in overall attendance this year and audiences had a huge variety of shows, exhibitions and music to feast on.
The Village Green, which used to be in the centre of Grahamstown, was moved up to Rhodes University campus. The move was made to accommodate more traders and to make way for a major World Craft Arts Market.
This ensured the crafts were given a greater platform and international exposure. Even though the festival’s main audiences are based in the Eastern Cape, it receives huge support from international embassies such as those of Belgium, France, Spain, Holland and the US.
So how will organisers deal with next year’s festival clash with the Fifa World Cup?
Lankester says, “The world is at our doorstep. Lets not run away from the opportunity.” That is one of the reasons why the festival will be extended to 15 days (June 20 – July 4) and they plan to market it far better than they did this year, taking into consideration that they will be competing against Fifa advertising.
Besides improving on marketing strategies, the National Arts Festival is planning to provide shuttles and tour buses from Port Elizabeth to Grahamstown, and rearranging the programme so that all major shows are during the day. Equipment upgrades and a more professional look is what will attract the international crowds, and of course the essence of South African art, all in one town.
Friday, May 29, 2009
I sometimes wonder why I am who I am...
I've never looked or acted my age because my body and face don't represent my mentality.
I nag because I indulge in attention.
I care because I've been programmed to have a big good heart, which is always open, yet fragile. I love because I was blessed with the ability to love whole heartedly, deeply and flawlessly.
I'm understanding because I can't stand being misunderstood.
I'm accepting because I'm a person who takes what God has blessed her with, with such gratitude.
I'm passionate because I believe that physicality, intimacy, communication, openness and laughter are the key ingredients to a fruitful, ecstasy filled and highly satisfying carnal relationship.
I'm respectful because I humble myself and honour those who have earned respect.
I lie because honesty is never entirely the best and only policy. I tell the truth because it always sets you free at the right time.
I'm trustworthy because I've got the ability to work honestly and hard enough to earn it.
I'm loyal because I'm so damn dedicated.
I'm open because my personality demands it.
With all this said, who do you think I really am?
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